Q&A for How to Clean Bricks

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How can I clean dried mortar off of bricks?

Gerber Ortiz-Vega
Masonry Specialist
Gerber Ortiz-Vega is a Masonry Specialist and the Founder of GO Masonry LLC, a masonry company based in Northern Virginia. Gerber specializes in providing brick and stone laying services, concrete installations, and masonry repairs. Gerber has over four years of experience running GO Masonry and over ten years of general masonry work experience. He earned a BA in Marketing from the University of Mary Washington in 2017.

Gerber Ortiz-Vega

Masonry Specialist

Expert Answer

They actually sell chemicals that are designed for cleaning brick. You can use them to restore the original color and look of the brick and mortar. They're available at most brick suppliers.

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Question

How can I clean a brick patio?

Community Answer

A power washer, 2000 psi. It will remove everything including paint, grease, moss, etc.

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Question

How can I remove soot/ash stains from a brick hearth?

Community Answer

Since it is like cleaning burners from your grill, soak the brick in hickory and then wash it with a sponge. It may sound odd but it actually works really well!

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Question

Do I need protective clothing?

Community Answer

It's a good idea to wear gloves when dealing with bricks. Otherwise, you do not need more than that.

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Question

Is there a different technique for cleaning exterior bricks that are white?

Community Answer

Try using a power hose that helps scrape off the exterior things that are unnecessary.

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Question

How do I clean a brick with a white powdery stain?

Andy Winder

Community Answer

If the white stain seems surface level, a 1:1 mixture of dish soap and salt should lift the stain. For deeper stains, try lifting it with boric acid or a pressure washer.

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Question

What is the most effective way to remove mold from red brick?

Andy Winder

Community Answer

Mold is generally more deep-set on bricks than surface level stains. Try using a diluted boric acid solution to scrub the mold from the bricks.

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Question

How do I clean inside the brick around a fireplace?

Community Answer

An oven cleaner will remove the black creosote buildup inside the fireplace. You can also use a solution of lye (sodium hypochlorite) and scrub with a brush. Both will work, but you MUST wear gloves, eye protection, skin protection, and breathing protection.

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Question

How do I clean slime (kid's goo) off brick?

Community Answer

Try some Goo Gone, the orange smelling stuff. Pour it on the bricks, wait 30 seconds to a minute and a half, and then wipe it off with an old rag.

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Question

We have cooking oil splattered on the red brick of our home. How do we remove it?

Community Answer

Use gasoline. Gasoline effectively dissolves oils and even grease. Hexane, isolated from other gasoline components, serves as a solvent for vegetable oils, such as peanut oil and soybean oil, but also animal oils. Be careful, though, as gasoline is highly flammable.

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Question

Can I use a pressure washer to clean bricks?

Community Answer

Yes, you can.

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Question

How do I clean soft red ceiling bricks that have white stains from calcium carbonate?

Community Answer

Apply some mouthwash and use a toothbrush to scrub it. It should come off sooner or later, though you may need to repeat the process a few times.

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Question

Can I hire someone to clean our fireplace and hearth?

Andy Winder

Community Answer

In most cases, yes. Try calling home cleaning companies or landscapers in your area and describe the cleaning technique you want done to see if they offer it.

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Question

A previous homeowner stained some bricks around windows with wood stain. It is 3 years old and I want it gone. Any suggestions?

Andy Winder

Community Answer

Wood stain is generally deeper set than most surface level stains. Try scrubbing it away with either boric acid or a pressure washer.

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